Gilas Pilipinas huddle up during a game against Macau.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Scottie Thompson has been helping Gilas Pilipinas in more ways than one.

Aside from his playmaking and all-around brilliance, Thompson also opened his gym’s doors to one of Gilas’ practices before the Nationals’ exhibition game against the Macau Black Bears on Monday.

READ: Down big, Gilas turns to its defense to cool off hot-shooting Macau

“It’s a good experience and achievement for me to have them prepare and practice over there,” said the longtime Ginebra guard.

“It just so happened because last time, the Gilas Youth trained there so at the same time, they’ve decided to hold practice and live there in Clark for a while.”

Gilas’ training sessions at Thompson’s gym paid off successfully as the Philippines trounced Macau, 103-98, at Araneta Coliseum.

Thompson was all over the place collecting 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 25 minutes.

READ: Scottie Thompson has mixed emotions about LA Tenorio’s move

“I think we’ll be training here [Araneta] on Wednesday morning before we fly on Thursday but this is a big thing for my gym. It’s also a big promotion,” said the former PBA MVP in jest.

“It was a big help. They [Gilas] really got to use the facility in a closed-door setting. Hopefully, [we train regularly there]… so my gym can look better too.”

Gilas has resumed its training at the Big Dome before their flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday for the Fiba Asia Cup.